U.S. patent number 7,125,168 [Application Number 10/323,471] was granted by the patent office on 2006-10-24 for large container having an outer bag and inner linear method of manufacturing same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Scholle Corporation. Invention is credited to R. Daniel Brumm, Aaron Wayne Bryan, Lee La Fleur, James Edward Rozmarek, Jeffrey Delbert Wright.
United States Patent |
7,125,168 |
La Fleur , et al. |
October 24, 2006 |
Large container having an outer bag and inner linear method of
manufacturing same
Abstract
A container comprising an outer bag, a liner and at least one
connector. The liner is substantially configured for receipt within
the outer bag. The at least one connector is affixed to the liner
and capable of attachment to the outer bag. Each such connector
comprises a substrate material, an outer bag attachment assembly
and an adhesive. The substrate material includes a first region and
a second region. The outer bag attachment assembly is associated
with a first region. The adhesive is operably applied to the second
region. The second region is affixed to one of the at least two
side panels, and the first region is selectively positionable to
overlie the liner without overlying a portion of the second region
or another portion of the first region.
Inventors: |
La Fleur; Lee (Manistee,
MI), Wright; Jeffrey Delbert (Manistee, MI), Rozmarek;
James Edward (Manistee, MI), Brumm; R. Daniel (Manistee,
MI), Bryan; Aaron Wayne (Custer, MI) |
Assignee: |
Scholle Corporation (Irvine,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
32593224 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/323,471 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2002 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20040120612 A1 |
Jun 24, 2004 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/111; 383/67;
383/22; 383/41; 383/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
88/1618 (20130101); B31B 70/36 (20170801); B31B
2155/00 (20170801); B31B 70/266 (20170801); B31B
2170/20 (20170801) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
30/08 (20060101); B65D 33/00 (20060101); B65D
33/14 (20060101); B65D 30/20 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;383/111,22,24,120,41,67 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Pascua; Jes F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Watson IP Group, PLC Jovanovic;
Jovan N. Vaslljevic; Vladan M.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container comprising: an outer bag having at least one side
panel, a top and a bottom; a liner positioned within the outer bag,
the liner including a plurality of sides, a top and a bottom so as
to substantially correspond to the outer bag; at least one
connector comprising a uniformly planar, substantially rigid woven
fabric having a first region and a second region adjacent to the
first region, wherein the second region of the at least one
connector is attached to the liner with an adhesive, wherein the
strength of the adhesive between the at least one connector and the
liner is stronger than the liner, to, in turn, facilitate the
failure of the liner prior to the failure of the adhesive bond and
wherein first region of the connector is attached to the outer
bag.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the inner liner further
comprises two pairs of side panels, one of the two pairs of side
panels are gusseted.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the top includes a spout and
wherein the bottom includes a spout.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the at least one connector
comprises a square connector, and wherein the first region and the
second region are substantially the same size.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein the first region of the at
least one connector includes at least two spaced apart openings for
attachment of the at least one connector to the outer bag with at
least one of string, tie cords, cables and cable ties.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein the at least one connector
comprises eight spaced apart connectors.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein the adhesive comprises a
thickness of substantially between 3 and 7 mills so as to offset
the at least one connector from the liner.
8. A liner substantially configured for receipt within an outer bag
comprising: a plurality of sides, a top and a bottom so as to
substantially corresponding to an outer bag; at least one connector
comprising a uniformly planar, substantially rigid woven fabric
having a first region and a second region adjacent to the first
region, wherein the second region of the at least one connector is
attached to the liner with an adhesive wherein the strength of the
adhesive between the at least one connector and the liner is
stronger than the liner, to, in turn, facilitate the failure of the
liner prior to the failure of the adhesive bond therebetween and
wherein the first region of the connector is configured so as to
attach to an outer bag.
9. The liner of claim 8 further comprising two pairs of side panels
wherein one of the two pairs of side panels are gusseted.
10. The liner of claim 8 wherein the top includes a spout and
wherein the bottom includes a spout.
11. The liner of claim 8 wherein the at least one connector
comprises a square connector, and wherein the first region and the
second region are substantially the same size.
12. The liner of claim 8 wherein the at least one connector
includes at least two spaced apart openings, and wherein at least
one of string, tie cords, cables and cable ties extending through
each of the pair of spaced apart openings.
13. The liner of claim 8 wherein the at least one connector
comprises eight spaced apart connectors.
14. The liner of claim 8 wherein the adhesive comprises a thickness
of substantially between 3 and 7 mills so as to offset the at least
one connector from the liner.
15. A container comprising: an outer bag having at least one side
panel, a top and a bottom; a liner positioned within the outer bag,
the liner including a plurality of sides, a top and a bottom so as
to substantially correspond to the outer bag; at least one
connector comprising a uniformly planar, substantially rigid woven
fabric having a first region with at least two spaced apart
openings and a second region adjacent to the first region, wherein
the second region of the at least one connector is attached to the
liner with an adhesive and wherein the first region of the at least
one connector is attached to the outer bag by way of the at least
two spaced apart openings with at least one of string, tie cords,
cables and cable ties.
16. The container of claim 15 wherein the at least one connector
comprises eight spaced apart connectors.
17. The container of claim 15 wherein the strength of the adhesive
between the at least one connector and the liner is stronger than
the liner, to, in turn, facilitate the stretching of the liner
prior to the failure of the adhesive bond.
18. A liner substantially configured for receipt within an outer
bag comprising: a plurality of sides, a top and a bottom so as to
substantially corresponding to an outer bag; at least one connector
comprising a uniformly planar, substantially rigid woven fabric
having a first region with at least two spaced apart openings and a
second region adjacent to the first region, wherein the second
region of the at least one connector is attached to the liner with
an adhesive; and at least one of string, tie cords, cables and
cable ties extending through the at least two spaced apart openings
for attachment thereof to an outer bag.
19. The liner of claim 18 wherein the at least one connector
comprises eight spaced apart connectors.
20. The liner of claim 18 wherein the strength of the adhesive
between the at least one connector and the liner is stronger than
the liner, to, in turn, facilitate the stretching of the liner
prior to the failure of the adhesive bond therebetween.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to shipping and storage
containers, and more specifically, to a large bulk, collapsible
container comprising an outer bag and an inner liner, wherein the
liner is associated with the outer bag with connectors. The
invention is likewise directed to a method of manufacturing
same.
2. Background Art
The use of containers having an outer bag and an inner liner has
been known in the art. One such example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,472
issued to LaFleur et al. Another such example is U.S. Pat. No.
4,596,040 issued to LaFleur et al. The disclosure of each of the
foregoing references is incorporated herein in its entirety.
Generally, the prior art discloses large bulk bags and liners
receivable in the respective bags wherein the liners are attachable
to the bags by connectors. Each such bag is made of a generally
flexible woven fiber material and the liner is made of a film or
sheet of flexible impervious material. When filled, the bag and
liner are generally cubical. When empty the container can be
collapsed and folded into a generally flat and compact
configuration with the liner in the bag. The liner is generally
connected to the bag at selected locations so that when its
contents are being discharged, the liner can collapse on itself
independently of and without being substantially restrained from
collapsing by the bag. Such connections may be detachable from the
bag such that the liner can be replaced as desired. In certain
embodiments the connector between the bag and the liner comprises a
woven or non-woven flexible fabric having an adhesive layer for
attachment to the liner at strategic locations. A portion of the
connector is free of adhesive and is attached at corresponding
strategic locations on the bag.
While such containers have been quite successful, there have been
drawbacks relative to their construction and manufacture. For
example, in many instances, the connector between the bag and the
liner often includes inherent weak regions which lead to failure.
In addition, the construction of such connectors and the
application of same to the liners has generally been a labor
intensive process which increases manufacturing costs and
manufacturing time. Indeed, the connector has been one constraint
relative to automated liner production.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to overcome the
deficiencies in the prior art. For example, it is an object of the
present invention to provide for a connector which has an improved
interface with the liner.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide for a
connector which is adaptable to positioning and securement on the
associated liner by way of automated assembly equipment, to, in
turn, reduce the cost and production time of such a product.
These objects as well as other objects of the present invention
will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims,
and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a container comprising an outer bag, a
liner substantially configured for receipt within the outer bag and
a connector (or multiple connectors) connecting the liner and the
outer bag. The connector comprises a substrate material, an outer
bag attachment assembly and an adhesive. The substrate material
includes a first region and a second region. The outer bag
attachment assembly is associated with first region. The adhesive
is operably applied to the second region. The second region is
affixed to the liner, and the first region is selectively
positionable to overlie the liner without overlying a portion of
the second region or another portion of the first region.
In a preferred embodiment, the liner further comprises at least one
side panel and at least one foldable gusseted side panel. In such
an embodiment, the second region is substantially fully contained
on one of the at least one side panel and the at least one foldable
gusseted side panel.
In another preferred embodiment, the substrate material is
substantially planar and includes a substantially continuous top
and bottom surface.
Preferably, the first region is substantially free of adhesive.
Additionally, the first and second regions are positionable in a
single plane.
In one embodiment, the adhesive comprises a thickness of
substantially between 3 and 7 mills, to, in turn, provide a gap
between the first region of the connector and the underlying
liner.
It is preferred that the outer bag attachment assembly comprises at
least two spaced apart openings extending therethrough.
Additionally, the at least one connector comprises at least four
connectors strategically positioned about the liner.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention is directed to a
liner of the type identified above having one or more side panels
and one or more foldable gusseted side panels and connectors. The
connector is of the type identified above relative to the
container. Specifically, each connector includes a substrate, an
outer bag attachment assembly and an adhesive.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the invention further
comprises a method of assembling a liner and connector. The method
comprises the steps of providing at least one liner having at least
one of a side panel and a foldable gusseted side panel; providing
at least one connector, wherein the connector includes a substrate
material, an outer bag attachment assembly and an adhesive; and
affixing the second region to at least one of the side panel and
the foldable gusseted side panel such that the first region of the
connector is selectively positionable to overlie the liner without
overlying a portion of the second region or another portion of the
first region.
In one embodiment, the step of providing at least one connector
comprises the step of providing a plurality of connectors.
Additionally, the step of affixing comprises the step of affixing
the second regions of each of the at least one connector to
strategic portions of the at least one liner.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a
method of assembling a plurality of liners and connector comprising
the steps of providing a web having a plurality of liners, each
liner having at least one of a side panel and a foldable gusseted
side panel; providing a plurality of connectors disposed
sequentially upon a connector web; sequentially introducing one of
the plurality of liners into an applicator assembly; sequentially
affixing the second region of each connector to at least one of a
side panel and a foldable gusseted side panel such that the first
region of the connector is selectively positionable to overlie the
liner without overlying a portion of the second region or another
portion of the first region; and sequentially discharging the liner
having at least one connector attached thereto from the applicator
assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings
wherein:
FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of the container of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 of the drawings is a bottom plan view of the container of
the present invention;
FIG. 3 of the drawings is a partial cross-sectional view of the
container of the present invention taken generally about lines 3--3
of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 of the drawings is a partial cross-sectional view of the
container of the present invention taken generally about lines 4--4
of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5A 5D of the drawings comprises partial perspective views of a
liner having connectors in various configurations;
FIG. 6 of the drawings is a top plan view of a connector of the
present invention;
FIG. 7 of the drawings is a perspective view of a web of connectors
of the present invention;
FIG. 8 of the drawings is a top plan view of a portion of the web
of connectors of the present invention;
FIG. 9 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the web of
connectors of the present invention taken generally about lines
9--9 of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 of the drawings is a side elevational view of one
embodiment of an applicator assembly;
FIG. 11A of the drawings is a front plan view of one embodiment of
an applicator machine having a plurality of applicator assemblies;
and
FIG. 11B of the drawings is a side elevational view of the
embodiment of the applicator machine shown in FIG. 11A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different
forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in
detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the
present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the
principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the embodiments illustrated.
It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or
components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the
drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be
understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations
of the invention, and some of the components may have been
distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1,
container 10 comprises outer bag 12, liner 14 and connectors, such
as connector 16 which facilitates attachment of liner 14 to outer
bag 12 (See, also FIG. 3). Outer bag 12 includes a pair of side
panels 20, 21, a pair of gusseted foldable side panels 22, 23,
integral ends 24, 25 (FIG. 2) and a pair of spouts 26, 27 (FIG. 2).
Side panels 20, 21 are connected by foldable side panels 22, 23 and
the integral ends 24, 25. Spout 26 is generally used for filling,
and spout 27 is generally used for discharge. It is contemplated,
that the outer bag may include only a single spout, wherein the
other end is fully closed.
In other applications, the outer bag may have a normally open end
which is closed by tying off a portion of the side wall adjacent to
such an end. Such bags are disclosed in the '040 patent to LaFleur.
Preferably, the outer bag comprises a flexible woven fiber
material, such as a polypropylene or polyethylene plastic material.
Of course, other synthetic and natural materials are likewise
contemplated for use, such as other polymers, or such as
fabrics.
Liner 14 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising a pair of side panels 30,
31, a pair of gusseted foldable side panels 32, 33 and a pair of
spouts 34, 35. The side panels 30, 31 are attached by way of the
pair of gusseted foldable side panels 32, 33. Spouts 34, 35 are
positioned at opposing ends. The pair of side panels and/or the
pair of gusseted foldable side panels include connector attachment
regions upon which connectors are attached. Liner 14 is configured
to correspond to outer bag 12. Specifically, when full, liner 14 is
substantially in abutment with and supported by the bag, to, in
turn, form a generally cubical position. Similar liners are
disclosed in the '040 patent to LaFleur and in the '472 patent to
LaFleur. Of course, the individual shapes of the outer bag and the
liner are not limited to any particular configuration or to the
embodiment shown. It is contemplated that each of the liner and the
outer bag may include any number of different combinations of side
panels and/or gusseted foldable side panels in any number of
configurations.
Connector 16 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 as comprising substrate
material 40 and adhesive 42. Substrate material 40 comprises a
substantially planar material which includes first region 44 and
second region 46 positioned in substantial abutment about a
connecting edge, such as connecting edge 45. The first and second
regions each include a common top surface 47 and bottom surface 49
(FIG. 4). In the embodiment shown, the top surface and the bottom
surface are substantially uniform and continuous between the two
regions (i.e., the substrate material in the embodiment shown
comprises a single continuous material). As such, the first and
second regions are positionable in a single plane. In other
embodiments, there may be differences between the top surface and
the bottom surface of the two regions.
First region 44 includes liner attachment assembly for attachment
thereof to an outer bag. The attachment assembly may comprise at
least one opening such as opening 48 positioned thereon and
extending therethrough. Adhesive 42 is positioned on at least a
portion of one side of second region 46. First region 44 is
substantially free of any adhesive. The connector may comprise a
woven or non-woven flexible fabric, such as a woven flexible fabric
material available from Fabrene, Inc. under product nos. TJJB1B1
and TJRB1B1. Of course, other materials are likewise contemplated
for use.
While various embodiments are contemplated for use, in one
embodiment, the connectors are about 4'' by 4''. In another
embodiment, as is shown in FIG. 5A, it is likewise contemplated
that the connector may have a 4'' height and substantially greater
width such that they may be applied to extend along a greater width
of a panel. Such a construction precludes sagging of the liner
within the outer bag upon discharging or filling. For example, and
as shown in FIG. 5B, a connector may be of a width that matches the
width of a side panel or a gusseted foldable side panel.
It is preferred in certain embodiments that the fabric includes a
coating on at least one side thereof to preclude fraying and
grinning, and to provide a base upon which the adhesive may readily
be applied. In addition, connector 16 may include a certain
rigidity which facilitates the connector to have a substantially
planar configuration and substantial integrity. Additionally, the
connector may comprise a variety of different geometric
configurations.
Any number of openings, such as opening 48, may be positioned upon
first region 44 (i.e., one, two, three or more openings). Such
openings distribute the force about the width of the first region.
The openings are capable of interfacing with an outside structure
for attachment thereof to the bag. The outside structures may
include string 51, or alternatively, tie cords, cables, cable ties,
spring latches, hooks, grommets, rings, etc. It has been found that
using a pair of openings greatly improves the performance of the
connector. In particular, as the liner shifts relative to the outer
bag, the two openings improve weight distribution and facilitate
improved relative movement of the liner and the outer bag.
It is also contemplated that in certain embodiments, additional
adhesive may be applied to the first region for adhering the
connector to outer bag 10. In other embodiments, it is contemplated
that the connector may be sewn into a seam of the outer bag. In
such embodiments, the openings can be eliminated.
The adhesive is applied to the second region of the connector.
Preferably, the adhesive is approximately 3 to 7 mills thick, while
thicknesses outside of this range are likewise contemplated. The
adhesive forms a strong bond with each of the second region and the
liner. In turn, and unlike the prior art, the resulting connector
does not require two opposing ends to be attached to a liner
inasmuch as the combination of the adhesive and the connector tab
configuration precludes shear tearing in a first direction, and
precludes peeling in a second direction. To the contrary, the prior
art generally requires both ends of a connector to be adhered to a
liner in an opposing fashion due to relatively poor peelability
performance.
The adhesive selected for use between the substrate material and
the liner may comprise one which is compatible with the materials,
which has adequate physical properties and characteristics, and
which is preferably resistant to the forces of shear and peel.
Preferably, the adhesive is such that the liner would fail prior to
the adhesive and prior to the failure of the substrate material. Of
course, other materials are likewise contemplated for use.
As is shown in FIG. 1, multiple connectors are dispersed at
strategic locations (i.e., connector attachment regions) about
liner 14. Specifically, a connector is positioned such that second
region 46, and adhesive 42 applied thereto, is positioned on one of
the side panels or the gusseted foldable side panels and tamped
thereon to join same. The connector may be positioned vertically
(i.e., wherein the two regions are vertically stacked, FIG. 5C),
horizontally, wherein the two regions of the connector are in a
side by side orientation, FIG. 5D) or angularly (i.e., as shown in
FIG. 1).
The particular quantity of and position of the plurality of
connectors is not limited to that which is disclosed in the
drawings. Indeed, any number of connectors may be positioned about
the side panels and/or the gusseted foldable side panels.
Generally, in the embodiment disclosed, the connectors are
positioned proximate an edge between side panel and the gusseted
foldable side panel at both the upper and lower end thereof. As
such a total of four connectors are utilized on each of the side
panels for a total of eight connectors. Of course, a greater number
or a fewer number of connectors is contemplated for use (i.e., two
connectors on each side panel, etc.). In addition, it is certainly
contemplated that the connectors may be positioned in any
combination upon any of the side panels and the gusseted foldable
side panels.
Inasmuch as the present construction permits the use of a connector
having one end that attached to the liner and the other end
extending therefrom, instead of a loop of material affixed at both
ends to the underlying liner, the methods of assembly can be
greatly simplified and substantially reduced in cost and effort.
Specifically, in addition to the manufacture of the liner and
connectors manually, the connectors are well suited for manufacture
and attachment by automated machine equipment.
As is shown in FIGS. 7 9, connectors 16 may be disposed on
connector web 71 which can be processed into a roll. As is shown in
detail in FIG. 8, connector web 71 comprises a liner paper having
connectors substantially linearly disposed thereon. Referring to
FIG. 9, each connector is releasably retained to the liner paper by
the adhesive positioned below the second region thereof. As such, a
gap is present between the liner paper and the first region of the
connector when the connector is attached to connector web 71 (and
such a gap is likewise present between portions of the first region
relative to the liner upon application of the connector to the
liner).
Referring now to FIG. 10, in one manufacturing method, the
invention further comprises applicator assembly 100 for applying at
least one connector to a liner in a predetermined position and
orientation. The applicator assembly includes means 102 for
advancing the connector web, means 104 for advancing the liner,
means 106 for removing the connector from the web, means 108 for
positioning the connector relative to the liner and means 110 for
attaching the connector to the liner.
In the embodiment shown, means 102 for advancing the connector web
comprises first axle 120, second axle 122 and feed assembly 124.
First rotating axle 120 is configured to receive and retain
connector web 71 in a rolled-up position. Feed assembly 124 is
controlled such that the connector web proceeds from first axle 120
to the connector removing means at a desired speed. Subsequently
connector web with connectors removed is then received by second
rotating axle 122, under the direction of the feed assembly.
Means 104 for advancing the liner may comprise a conveyor or other
suitable drive mechanism for directing the liners continuously or
in an indexed fashion toward and into operative position relative
to the applicator assembly. In addition, the liner advancing means
directs the liner away from the applicator assembly after
application of the connector thereto, so that a subsequent liner
can be introduced to the applicator assembly. In one embodiment, it
is contemplated that a plurality of liners may be attached side to
side or end to end to form a continuous web of liners. In other
embodiments, the liners may be separate members which are
sequentially advanced through the applicator assembly.
Means 106 for removing the connector from the web comprises a
variety of different members capable of removing an individual
connector from the web. For example, in the embodiment shown, pins
132 are associated with the connector web advancing means such that
the underlying web is directed through a sharp bend around pins
132. As such, while the underlying web is capable of proceeding
around the sharp bend, the relatively more rigid connector begins
to detach from the underlying web. Continued movement of the web
about the bend eventually releases the connector therefrom.
Positioning means 108 comprises a flat plate positioned proximate
pins 132 of the connector removing means. The positioning means 108
comprises a plate having a vacuum applied to portions of the
surface of the plate. The plate is positioned such that as the
connector is detached from the underlying web, the connector is
drawn into contact with the plate and maintained in such contact
with the plate by the vacuum applied thereto. Continued movement of
the web, directs the connector along the plate. By the time that
the connector fully disconnects from the underlying web, the
connector has properly advanced along the flat plate of the
positioning means into the proper orientation for application onto
the liner.
Once positioning means 108 locates the connector in the desired
orientation and position relative to the liner, the attaching means
110 is activated. In particular, the attaching means forces directs
the flat plate toward the liner such that the connector (having
adhesive thereon) is attached to the liner. Additional pressure can
be applied to the plate to tamp or otherwise presses the connector
against the liner to adhere the two components together. Once the
connector has been attached, the vacuum applied to the plate can be
abated and the plate can be retracted to its original position. As
the plate retracts, the connector remains connected to the liner
and becomes detached from the plate.
The plate returns to a position wherein it can accept a subsequent
connector for application onto a liner. It is contemplated that the
connectors can be applied to side panels or foldable gusseted side
panels as desired. Wherein the connector is applied to a foldable
gusseted side panel, the applicator assembly may include additional
assemblies to expose the region of the foldable gusseted side
panel, to, in turn, facilitate the attachment of a connector
thereto.
Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, it is contemplated that an
applicator machine may be configured with multiple applicator
assemblies such that multiple connectors can be positioned on
different surfaces simultaneously (i.e., certain connectors may be
applied to one side panel while other connectors are applied to the
other side panel, or to the foldable gusseted panels). For example,
opposing applicator assemblies may be positioned on opposing side
panels such that the connectors are simultaneously applied to the
liner in the same position on opposing side panels. Advantageously,
wherein the applicator assemblies are positioned on opposing sides
of a liner, the plates of the opposing applicator assemblies can
cooperate to sandwich connectors therebetween, enhancing the
compressive force on the adhesive, which, in turn, enhances the
bond between the liner and the connector.
With respect to the applicator machine of FIGS. 11A and 11B, it is
contemplated that the each applicator assembly can be easily
rotated to accommodate the application of tabs which are
horizontal, vertical or angled relative to the liner. Additionally,
it is contemplated that each applicator assembly can be rotated
such so as to facilitate the application of connectors to foldable
gusseted side panels. The particular number of application
assemblies and the particular orientation of same can be varied to
achieve desired results.
Certain tests were conducted relative to a liner and connector
constructed in accordance with the present disclosure as compared
to a liner and connector of the type disclosed in the '472 patent
to LaFleur. The construction of the liner and connector in
accordance with the present invention exhibited comparable strength
as the prior art liner and connector regardless of orientation in
the shear and in the peel orientations. While the strength is
comparable, the costs and manufacturing times of the liner and
connector made in accordance with the present invention are greatly
improved relative to the prior art liner and connector.
The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the
invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar
as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art
who have the disclosure before them will be able to make
modifications without departing from the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *